By Janina Nuno Rios

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Billie Jean King gave her seal of approval to the revamped U.S. Open mixed doubles, singling out Italian back-to-back champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori for embodying the emotion and pride the new format can deliver.

Tournament organisers overhauled the mixed doubles this year with a $1 million winners’ prize, trimming the draw to 16 pair and prioritising star power with eight teams selected by their combined singles rankings and eight as wildcards.

The change produced a marquee lineup and big crowds for a competition that was usually low key, though the decision drew criticism from doubles specialists who described it as unfair to them.

“I know you’re young and you don’t know me, but that was my favourite event. I love it. I got to be he

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